Nottingham’s Leigh Wood has had an exciting career that has seen him become a world champion.
Set to take on Anthony Cacace on May 10th, 2025, Wood will look to improve his professional record to 29-3.
Wood last tasted defeat in 2023, in a loss that would see him drop his featherweight world title. However, he was able to reclaim his crown in a rematch with Mauricio Lara.
Prior to his rivalry with Lara, Wood had a stunning comeback victory against an undefeated fan favorite.
Leigh Wood had a last-round knockout over Michael Conlan in 2022
After winning the WBA World Featherweight title against Xu Can in July 2021, Wood would return the following March to defend his new belt.
For his first title defense, he would be paired with former Olympian Michael Conlan. The Irish fighter went into the bout with a perfect 16-0 record, and was getting his first world title opportunity.
Things would not get off to a good start for the defending champion. In the final moments of the opening round, a huge left hand from Conlan would land on Wood, putting him down.
Recovering to continue the fight, the Irish fighter would be able to build on his good momentum, leading the bout and hurting Wood again in their meeting.
In the 11th round of the bout, Wood was given some hope of a comeback when he forced Conlan to the ground. Although the downed fighter felt it was caused by a slip, he was given a count by the referee.
Despite the knockdown for Wood, he would still be behind on the judges’ scorecards after 11 completed rounds. However, he was able to turn around the result in the final round.
With Conlan’s back against the ropes, a right hand from the champion seemingly rendered the challenger unconscious. As Conlan crumbled, he fell out of the ring backwards, with the referee waving off the bout.
The dramatic end to the fight would see Wood defend his world title for the first time, as Conlan’s unbeaten record was broken.
Leigh Wood would lose his third professional fight against Mauricio Lara in 2023
Despite having such an impressive comeback victory over Conlan, Wood suffered defeat in his following fight.
Facing Mauricio Lara for the WBA World Featherweight title in February 2023, Wood was stopped in the seventh round despite being ahead on the scorecards.
Fighting in Nottingham, the Mexican Lara would earn a TKO victory when Wood’s corner threw in the towel.
Wood had suffered a significant cut in the opening round of the fight, due to a head clash.
However, when the two rematched three months later, Wood got his revenge. Wood delivered a convincing performance as he was the victor via unanimous decision.